DoD throws cold water on 'Ice Bucket Challenge'

Aug. 21, 2014 - 04:43PM
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Former commander in chief President George W. Bush may have accepted the ALS 'Ice Bucket Challenge,' but the DoD Office of General Counsel has issued an edict that current service members and Defense Department employees cannot have ice dumped on them while in uniform — including civilian uniforms. (AP)

Battle Rattle

The Defense Department has declared war on the ALS “Ice Bucket Challenge,” the Internet phenomenon in which people get doused with ice water to raise money to combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Even former commander in chief President George W. Bush has accepted the challenge, but the DoD Office of General Counsel has issued an edict that current service members and Defense Department employees cannot have ice dumped on them while in uniform — including civilian uniforms.

Apparently, being soaked with ice and water while wearing a uniform can be construed as an official Defense Department endorsement for the cause, the office has concluded.

“ALS Association is a national non-profit organization,” according to the fiat, which was posted on the Facebook page of Fort Irwin, California. “As such, participating in this event is subject to concerns about implied endorsement. The OGC is the federal agency that has final say on appropriate ethical behavior for the DOD.”

Earlier this week, the Blue Angels posted video on their Facebook page of the team being drenched with bone-chilling ice and cold water, but the video appears to have been removed. And on Tuesday, the creator of the popular Terminal Lance comic, Maximilian Uriarte, called on Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Jim Amos to take the challenge. So far, no word from the Amos camp.